When the New Constitution Entered Into Force
Following the referendum of 15 March 2026, the new Constitution entered into force on 1 July 2026. Until then, the 1995 Constitution remained in force. During the transition period (16 March – 30 June), all institutions continued operating, key laws were signed on June 5, and preparations continued for Kurultai elections.
Key dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Referendum | 15 March 2026 |
| Official result announced by the CEC | By 22 March 2026 |
| Transitional period | 16 March – 30 June |
| Entry into force | 1 July 2026 |
| Elections to the Kurultai | August 23, 2026 |
What happens during the transitional period
- The 1995 Constitution remains in force until 1 July
- The Mazhilis and Senate continue their work
- The Government, courts, and Constitutional Court – without interruption
- Key constitutional laws for the new institutions were already signed on June 5
- Preparations are underway for the decree and calendar of Kurultai elections (145 deputies elected by proportional representation)
What happens on 1 July
- The new Constitution entered into force
- The 1995 Constitution ceased to have effect
- Existing acts apply only insofar as they do not contradict the new Constitution; state bodies must align them without a fixed one-year deadline in the Constitution
- The Parliament formed under the 1995 Constitution ceased its powers
If the vote is 'No' or turnout is below 50%
Nothing enters into force. The 1995 Constitution remains. A repeat referendum cannot be held for at least one year.
The date of 1 July is fixed in the new Constitution. The transitional period is not a vacuum but a standard legal mechanism.
→ Full text of the 2026 Constitution · 1995 Constitution (previous)
Key facts
- Entry into force – 1 July 2026 after the referendum of 15 March 2026
- Transitional period – 3.5 months; all institutions operate without interruption
- Key constitutional laws were signed on 5 June 2026
- Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026
- The former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1, 2026; until the Kurultai election, the legal system operates under the Constitution's transitional provisions
Public positions and documents
An editorial selection showing how the topic developed and where it stands now.
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«Символично, что в преддверии этого знаменательного дня мы открыли поистине судьбоносную главу в летописи нашей государственности – 1 июля вступила в силу Новая Конституция страны.»
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«Согласно переходным положениям, новая Конституция вступит в силу 1 июля 2026 года. К этому времени все основные законы должны быть приведены в соответствие с нормами Конституции.»
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«Конституция вступит в силу с 1 июля. В августе состоятся выборы в однопалатный Курултай, а в сентябре будет сформирован Қазақстан Халық Кеңесі. Таким образом, мы вступаем в период больших изменений.»
Basis for this explainer
Constitutional provisions and primary sources supporting this explanation.
Constitutional provisions
Primary sources
Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 16 July 2026.
Related articles
Quick links to the constitutional articles behind this explainer.